Crock Pot Hamburger and Potato Casserole

Casserole dinners are some of our favorite meals in our house! While casseroles are typically cooked in the oven, you actually can make it right in your slow cooker! This is a win-win when you're looking for a way to prevent heating your house in the summer OR if you don't have access to a oven for some reason. As an added bonus, it also makes your whole house smell delicious all day!

With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a comforting meal on the table with very little effort!

Beef and potatoes are a match made in heaven don't you agree? If so, I highly recommend trying my Beefy Potato Taco Casserole or Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash next!

Ingredients You'll Need

• Sliced Potatoes: Russet potatoes are my favorite in this dish but you can use other all-purpose potatoes if you prefer. The texture of all-purpose potatoes work best for soaking up all the delicious flavors in the dish.
• Ground Beef: Gives this crock pot dinner it's beefy flavor, protein, and texture. Higher fat ground beef makes a more budget-friendly option especially since we're draining off the excess fat, but you can use more lean ground beef as a lower-fat option.
• Yellow Onion: Onions add more depth and complexity to the flavors in the dish.
• Carrots: Mainly added for a a pop of orange color but they also add some natural sweetness and flavor that works well with the other ingredients.
• Cream Of Mushroom Soup: An easy pantry staple adding savory, mushroom flavor along with a rich creaminess. You can also use other creamy soups as well such as cream of chicken or cream of celery.
• Milk: Works to create a creamier consistency in our casserole. Use any type of milk you prefer but whole milk has more fat and adds extra creaminess.
• Seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning enhance the flavor of the casserole.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Our delicious melty topping for this family-style casserole.

Variations

• Change the Meat: Instead of beef this casserole also works well with ground turkey or ground chicken.
• Add More Veggies: Sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, corn, frozen mixed veggies all work great. When adding more veggies, skip the last cup of cheese on the casserole at the start of cooking. Add the additional veggies during the last hour of cooking, and top them with a layer of cheese. You can also add them along with the carrots but I find they tend to cook way too soft when done this way.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: Crispy fried onions or some crushed Ritz crackers are just a two favorites. I add these on top just before serving so they stay nice and crisp.
• Spicy: Add a can of green chilies or diced jalapenos to the layers and use pepper jack, Monterey jack or Mexican blend of cheese instead.

How To Make Hamburger Potato Casserole in the Crock Pot

1. Step 1: Cook the beef and onions. Cook the beef in a large skillet until it's browned. Then add the chopped onions and cook until the onions are translucent and soft. Drain off the fat and set the meat aside.
2. Step 2: Mix together the liquid. Combine the dried seasonings, cream of mushroom soup, and milk in a bowl and whisk together.
3. Step 3: Assemble the layers. Add a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, add half of the ground beef on top. Pour half the liquid mixture over these two layers, followed by the sliced carrots and one cup of cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients ending with the cheese.
4. Step 4: Cook: Cover with the lid and cook until the potatoes and carrots are fork tender. Turn the heat off and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.